Sunday, March 8, 2015

Eighth

Let the fireworks begin to celebrate the 8th blogsary of totomai.net formerly known as Distilling Thoughts. Yes, for 8 years, I had at least one post per month and I hope to continue it for the coming years.

It is an air-balloon competition. Some participants came from other Japanese prefectures. Most of these balloons are colourful, a perfect contrast to the blue skies. Too bad that at some point it was very cloudy.

This event is usually held during winter. The snow, as well as the blue skies, pops-out the colors of the balloons. Photographers, enthusiasts and participants should be more careful while enjoying the activities in a snowy landscape.

Funny but almost everyone, especially the photographers, did not care about the cold temperature. For us, taking photos are more important than our health. I am kidding of course, but we are the crazy kind of hobbyists. Everyone wants to be in a good location to have a good view of the firework display. Not a fan of night photography, but thanks to Triggertrap for making it easier.

Happy 8th Blogoversary, Totomai! You capture images in words and photos in every season. That balloon festival must have been wonderful to vierw and photograph. You have taken some excellent shots. Thanks for the summation of your year too, Totomai. It was indeed an eventful one with many highlights.

Happy Anniversary, Totomai and thank you for the color and beauty you add to our lives when we visit your blog. The balloon photos are spectacular. I especially wondered how you managed the one of the Black, blue, yellow and white balloon so close, against the mountain. From the houses' position in the photo, it looks like you were on ground level, yet given the depth of the photo, and the height of the mountain, it gives one the feeling you took it from a balloon. Really depthful work, as always, full of color.........I love your banner!!!!!!!

I love the balloons, and loved your film. A friend took me up when I earned my doctorate--quite a present. It was twilight, there was champagne, the winds hugged us and played ancient music punctuated by dogs barking. SO then I went back and read your poem again and imagined seeing the photographer and his lens from above. Beautiful. Then I looked at your selfie and it was just the right angle! Congrats on your art and verse and 8th blog-versary.

stunning photos, as usual! loved those vivid colors. and yes, great video too with good choice of song!Congrats on your blog's 8th year, and congrats too on your selfie photo winning a runner up prize in a photo contest. it's not easy winning such contests in Japan, the land of Nikon and Canon and Pentax. :)

What a wonderful achievements, Totomai! I like the fact that you're celebrating all of them with gratitude! And for us, your readers, such a contagious example! Happy 8th blogoversary! Keep up your radiant energy! ~ Love the colorful balloons and haiku!

Happy number eight, totomai! Love the air balloons. Am afraid of heights so deeply admire those who take part. Many years ago, an air balloon landed in a field across the road from the old farm house we lived in. It was fantastic to see and my kids couldn't talk of anything else for days afterward. Thank you for that memory,